The Katsina State Government has paid a total of ₦45.8 billion in life and death gratuities to 14,560 retirees and families of deceased workers, as part of efforts to clear long-standing pension liabilities and restore confidence in the system.
The payments, which cover beneficiaries from the state government, local governments, and Local Education Authorities (LEAs), were disclosed on Thursday in Katsina by Governor Dikko Radda while flagging off the final tranche of ₦21 billion in outstanding gratuities.
Governor Radda said the latest disbursement covers entitlements owed up to October 2025 and is aimed at ensuring that retirees and families of deceased workers receive their benefits without undue delay.
“All in all, the sum of ₦45.8 billion was approved and released for payment to 14,560 beneficiaries from the state, local governments, and Local Education Authorities,” he said.
The governor explained that his administration is also undertaking pension reforms, including the signing into law of a new Contributory Pension Law, 2025, to strengthen pension administration and management in the state.
According to him, the reform aligns with global best practices and is intended to simplify pension processes, eliminate delays, ensure timely payment of gratuities and pensions, and rebuild public trust in the system.
“Under the new arrangement, the Katsina State Pension Bureau will oversee the Contributory Pension Scheme, while the old pension system will continue under the Katsina State and Local Governments Pension Transition Board until all existing beneficiaries exit the scheme,” Governor Radda said.
He assured workers and retirees of the government’s continued commitment to their welfare. “The sacrifice of workers will never be forgotten, and their entitlements must never be delayed. Our vision is to build a pension system that is effective, transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of retirees,” he added.
Earlier, the State Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, commended the government for releasing what he described as a substantial sum to settle outstanding gratuities for workers who retired or died in active service up to October 2025. He said the administration would continue to regard the civil service as a key partner in implementing government policies.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Katsina State, Mr. Hussani Hamisu, praised the government for what he described as a significant intervention for retirees, noting that it marked a positive step towards addressing workers’ welfare concerns
